Unload, check, and bag apparatus for supermarkets

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for checking out articles of merchandise in a supermarket type of operation. A checkout counter includes mechanism for unloading a basket-cart. The checkout counter also includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of sections. The checkout clerk moves each article checked to one of the sections of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt moves the articles to a discharge position, at which the articles fall into one or more bags or sacks.

United States Patent Musser 51 July 25, 1972 [54] UNLOAD, CHECK, AND BAGAPPARATUS FOR SUPERMARKETS [72] Inventor: Malcolm E. Musser, P.O. Box386,

Jackson Center, Ohio 45334 [22] Filed: June 29, 1970 [21] Appl. No.:50,467

[52] U.S. Cl ..53/255, 53/391 [51] Int. Cl. ..B65b 39/00, 1365b 67/04Field of Search ..53/187, 188,189,202, 255, 53/257, 259, 261, 384, 385,386, 390, 391; 186/] A, 1 AC [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTSBayer et a1 ..53/189 X 3,512,336 5/1970 Rosecrans ..53/244 X 2,902,8119/1959 Joyce 53/390 X 3,513,617 5/1970 Greenfield... 53/391 X 3,564,8142/1971 Graveley ..53/391 X Primary Examiner-Robert L. SpruillAttorney-Jacox & Meckstroth ABSTRACT Apparatus for checking out articlesof merchandise in a supermarket type of operation. A checkout counterincludes mechanism for unloading a basket-cart. The checkout counteralso includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of sections. Thecheckout clerk moves each article checked to one of the sections of theconveyor belt. The conveyor belt moves the articles to a dischargeposition, at which the articles fall into one or more bags or sacks.

l2 Chins, 15 Drawing Figures Patented July 25, 1972 3,678,660

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG-3 INVE/V TOR MALCOLM E. MUSSER ATTORNEY PatentedJuly 25, 1972 3,578,660

S Sheets-Sheet 2 UNLOAD, CHECK, AND BAG APPARATUS FOR SUPERMARKETSBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provideapparatus which automatically moves articles of merchandise from abasketcart or the like to the surface of a checkout counter.

Another object of this invention is to provide checkout counterapparatus by which articles of merchandise are readily separated intoclassified groups for the bagging thereof.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus whichautomatically moves articles of merchandise from a checkout counter to abag or bags.

Another object of this invention is to provide a chute for conductingarticles of merchandise from a checkout counter to a bag, which chutemay also serve as a barrier to prevent movement of articles ofmerchandise from a checkout counter.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus by which oneoperator can rapidly and efficiently cause articles to move from abasket-cart to a bag or bags, while the operator checks and records theprices of the articles.

Another object of this invention is to provide means by which a gate ofa basket-cart is automatically opened for removal of articles ofmerchandise from the basket-cart.

Another object of this invention is to provide bag holder apparatuswhich automatically changes angular position as the bag is filled. Thus,the first articles entering a bag slide down a portion of the internalwall of the bag and subsequent articles drop into the bag when the bagis more nearly filled. Thus, no article of merchandise falls anappreciable distance.

Other objects and advantages reside in the construction of parts, thecombination thereof, the method of manufacture, and the mode ofoperation, as will become more apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofapparatus of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating usethereof.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view, taken substantially on line 3-3ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view, taken substantially on line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken substantially on line 5-5of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view similar to FIG. 5, showing theelements thereof in another position of operation.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the" apparatus of FIGS. 5and 6, illustrating other positions of operation of elements thereof.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view, similar to FIG. 7, illustrating otherpositions of operation of the elements thereof.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view, taken substantially on line 9-9 ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially online 10--10 of FIG. 2, FIG. 10 being drawn on a larger scale than FIG.9.

FIG. 1 1 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, similar to FIG. 10,illustrating movement of elements shown.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view, drawn on substantially the samescale as FIG. 10 and taken substantially on line 12--12 ofFlG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, with parts broken away, drawn onsubstantially the same scale as FIG. 1, showing a basket-cart of theapparatus of this invention.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged top plan view of a basket-cart and a portion of acheckout counter of this invention, with the basket-cart partiallyintermeshed with the checkout counter.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view, taken substantially on line 15- 15 of FIG.[4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Apparatus of thisinvention includes a checkout counter 20 having a receiver portion 22,an intermediate portion 24, and a discharge portion 26.

The receiver portion 22 is provided with a pair of spacedapart shafts 30and 32, each of which extends between side portions 34 of the receiverportion 22. Each of the side portions 34 has an arcuate director member35 attached thereto and extending therefrom. A plurality of spaced-apartwheels 38, best shown in FIG. 4, are attached to each of the shafts 30and 32. Belts 40 encompass the wheels 38 of the shafts 30 and 32, aseach belt 40 is supported by a wheel 38 of the shaft 30 and a wheel 38of the shaft 32. It is to be understood, however, that annular members,other than the belts 40 may be used, for example, chains, wheels, andthe like.

A motor 42 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, is operably joined, by anysuitable means, to the shaft 32 for rotation thereof. Thus, the motor42, when energized, causes rotation of the wheels 38 and the belts 40,as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The intermediate portion 24 of the checkout counter 20 is shown as beingsubstantially flat, for sliding movement of articles from the receiverportion 22 to the discharge portion 26.

The discharge portion 26 of the checkout counter 20 in cludes arelatively wide conveyor belt 46 which is supported by spaced-apartshafts 50 and 52. FIG. 9 shows a roller 59 which is carried by the shaft52 and which partially supports the conveyor belt 46. A motor 54, showndiagrammatically in FIG. 1, is operably connected by any suitable means,to the shaft 50 for rotation thereof and for rotative movement of theconveyor belt 46.

A plurality of partition members, herein shown as partition members 56and 58, extend over the conveyor belt 46 and divide the conveyor belt 46into a plurality of sections, herein shown as sections 46a, 46b, and46c.

At the end of the discharge portion 26 and adjacent the section 46a ofthe conveyor belt 46 is a wall 60, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Insubstantial alignment with the wall 60 and disposed between thepartitions 56 and 58 and between the partition 58 and a side wall 69 isan inclined shelf 64, shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, which is attached to asupport bar 66 by means of a connector 68. The uppermost part of theinclined shelf 64 is closely adjacent the belt 46. An arm 70 ispivotally connected by means of a pin 72 to a fixed bracket 74 which isattached to the partitions 56 and 58. A plate 78 is secured to arotatable stem 80 which is carried by the pivotal arms 70 and extendstherebetween. The plate 78 has flanges 82 attached thereto at oppositeportions thereof. Thus, a structure comprising the elements 64, 66, 68,69, 70, 72, 74, 78, and 80 is disposed between the partitions S6 and 58and another such structure is disposed between the partitions 58 and theside wall 69, at the ends thereof.

Below the support bar 66 and below each plate 78 is a support element orbag holder which is pivotally carried by a pin 92. The support element90 has a floor 94 and sides 96, secured thereto.

As best shown in FIG. 9, a pad engages the support element 90. The pad100 is attached to a rod 102 which has a collar 104 secured thereto. Therod 102 freely slidably extends through a bracket 110. A collar 111 isattached to the rod 102 below the bracket and limits upward travel ofthe rod 102. A spring 112 encompasses the rod 102 and is disposedbetween the bracket 110 and the collar 104. Thus, the spring 112resiliently urges the rod 102 and the support element 90 in a directionfrom the bracket 110. A rigid elongate abutment member 116 is alsoattached to the bracket 110 and extends therefrom toward the supportelement 90.

A basket-cart cooperates with the checkout counter 20. The basket-cart130 has wheels I32 which support a lower rack 134. Struts 136 connectthe lower rack 134 to an upper rack 140, which has side members 142 anda back member 144. A handle 145 is shown attached to the upper rack 140.

The bottom of the rack 140 has a solid section 148. A plurality ofspaced-apart bars 146 are attached to the solid section 148 and extendforwardly thereof. The forward end of at least one of the bars 146 hasan upwardly extending protuberance 149, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Atthe forward portion of the basket-cart 130 and attached to the sidemembers 142 are holders 150, each of which is provided with a keyholeshaped opening 152 which has a narrow portion 154, which terminates in agenerally rectangular slot 156.

A shaft 160 extends between the holders 150 and has the ends thereofwithin the openings 152. Each end of the shaft 160 has a lug 162. Theshaft 160 has attached thereto a gate 166. FIG. 1 shows that the gate166 may include a sheet portion 167; It is to be understood that thegate 166 may be of wire, or may be solid, or have openings, and may beof any suitable material. The lower part of the gate 166 normally restsupon the forward part of the bars 146 and engages the upwardly extendingprotuberances 149 of the bars 146, as shown in FIG. 5.

OPERATION A customer places articles of merchandise within thebasket-cart 130 and then moves the basket-cart 130 to the checkoutcounter to have the articles checked by a checkout clerk 180 who uses acash register 182 or the like. The checkout clerk 180 is positionedadjacent the intermediate portion 24 of the checkout counter 20 and mayhave control over the operation of the motor 42. The basket-cart 130 ismoved to the receiver portion 22 of the checkout counter 20, and isreceived by the receiver portion 22 between the director members 35.

The spacing between the belts 40 is substantially equal to the thicknessof the bars 146. Therefore, as the basket-cart 130 moves between thedirector members 35, the basket-cart 130 also moves between the sideportions 34 of the receiver portion 22 of the checkout counter 20. Thebars 146 become alternately positioned with the belts 40, as illustratedin FIGS. 4 and 14. Thus, the basket-cart 130 can be moved forwardlybetween the side portions 34 of the receiver portion 22 until the solidsection 148 comes into contact with the belts 40.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 15, the portions of the belts 40 betweenthe wheels 38 are upwardly inclined. As the basketcart 130 is movedforwardly between the side portions 34, the bars 146 move to intermeshedjuxtaposition among the belts 40. The bars 146 become positioned at alower level than a portion of the belts 40. Thus, the belts 40 lift thegate 166 from the position thereof shown in FIG. 5 to the positionthereof shown in FIG. 6. As illustrated, the belts 40 lift the gate 166from engagement with the bars 146, above the protuberances 149. Thus, asthe upper portions of the belts 40 move forwardly, the lower part of thegate 166 is moved forwardly, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

As the gate 166 is lifted and angularly moved upwardly, the shaft 160,positioned within the openings 152, is permitted to freely moveupwardly, as shown in FIG. 6. Due to the fact that when the bars 146 andthe belts 40 are intermeshed the belts 40 are positioned at a higherelevation than the bars 146, articles of merchandise are lifted from thebars 146 by the belts 40. Therefore, after the belts 40 cause the bottompart of the gate 166 to move forwardly, the articles of merchandise aremoved forwardly upon the belts 40 to the intermediate portion 24 of thecheckout counter 20.

In order to permit the articles of merchandise to freely move forward tothe intermediate portion 24, without interference by the gate 166, thecheckout clerk 180 may lift the forward part of the gate 166 androtatively move the gate 166 until the gate 166 is inverted andvertically disposed, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Thus, the shaft 160 ismoved downwardly into the portion 154 of the opening 152 and the lug 162moves into the slot 156 to retain the gate 166 in the inverted verticalposition, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 8. Thus, the gate 166 remainsin the inverted vertical position as articles of merchandise are movedforwardly upon the belts 40 from the bars 146, to the intermediateportion 24 of the checkout counter 20.

As each article of merchandise reaches the intermediate portion 24, thecheckout clerk 180 manually engages the article with one hand andoperates the cash register 182 with the other hand. The clerk 180 thenmanually moves the article of merchandise to one of the sections 46a,46b, or 460 of the conveyor belt 46.

The motor 54 rotates the conveyor belt 46 so that the upper surfacethereof moves away from the intermediate portion 24, as illustrated byan arrow 186 in FIG. 2.

If the article of merchandise is relatively heavy and/or sturdy, as, forexample, a can or box of merchandise, the article is moved by thecheckout clerk to the 46c section of the conveyor belt 46. The articleis then moved by the conveyor belt 46 to the inclined floor 64.

A paper bag 170 or the like rests upon the support element or bag holderand the floor 94. The flanges 82 of the plate 78 extend into the bag andserve to keep the top of the bag 170 open. The flanges 82, with theplate 78, form a chute and serve to direct an article into the bag 170,as the article moves from the inclined shelf 64, to the plate 78. Thus,as illustrated in FIG. 2, each article moved by the checkout clerk tothe section 460 of the conveyor belt 46 is automatically moved by thebelt 46 to the inclined shelf 64, from whence the article falls to theplate 78 and is directed into the bag 170.

Light and/or delicate or breakable articles of merchandise are moved bythe checkout clerk 180 to the section 46a of the conveyor belt 46. Thesection 46a moves each article toward the wall 60. From such positionthe articles may be manually and individually placed into a bag 170which may be positioned upon a shelf 184, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show no bag 170 or the like supported by the bag holder 90at the end of the section 46b. Thus, preferably, the plate 78 ispivotally positioned as shown in FIG. 12. The plate 78 thus serves as abarrier to prevent movement of articles from the inclined shelf 64 whichis at the end of the section 46b. The plate 78 may be readily pivotallymoved from the position thereof shown in FIG. 10 to the position thereofshown in FIG. 12. Such pivotal movement of the plate 78 is performed bypivotal movement of the arms 70 about the axis of the pin 72 and bypivotal movement of the plate 78 about the axis of the stem 80, asillustrated in FIG. 11.

Thus, it is understood that each plate 78 may be pivotally positioned asshown in FIG. 10 to form a chute or may be pivotally positioned as shownin FIG. 12 to form a barrier. When the plate 78 is in the position shownin FIG. 10, the flanges 82 thereof assist in maintaining the upper partof the bag 170 in an open position.

As articles of merchandise move into a bag 170 which is supported by abag holder 90, the weight of the articles causes the bag holder 90 topivotally move downwardly, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The pivotalposition of the bag holder 90 is determined by the spring 112. As theweight of articles increases within the bag 170 supported by the bagholder 90, the spring 1 12 permits the rod 102 to move downwardly as therod 102 is forced downwardly by the weight of articles within the bag170. Such downward movement of the rod 102 is against 'the resiliency ofthe spring 112. Thus, the bag 170 automatically becomes more verticallydisposed as greater weight is disposed therewithin.

Thus, it is understood that apparatus of this invention provides meansby which articles of merchandise are automatically removed from abasket-cart. The articles are then manually moved by a checkout clerk toselected sections of a conveyor belt. An article moved to each conveyorbelt section is moved by the conveyor belt to a bagging position. If theplate 78 at the end of the section is pivotally disposed as shown inFIG. 10, the article falls into a bag. If the plate 78 is pivotallydisposed as shown in FIG. 12, the article is prevented from movementfrom the checkout counter 20.

After all of the articles of merchandise within the basketcart 130 havebeen moved therefrom, the checkout clerk 180 lifts the gate 166 from thevertical inverted position thereof shown in FIG. 8 and permits the gate166 to rotatively move into the basket-cart as illustrated in FIG. 8, toagain become positioned against the protuberances 149 and the bars 146.

Although the preferred embodiment of the device has been described, itwill be understood that within the purview of this invention variouschanges may be made in the form, details, proportion and arrangement ofparts, the combination thereof and mode of operation, which generallystated consist in a device capable of carrying out the objects setforth, as disclosed and defined in the appended claims.

The invention having thus been described, the following is claimed:

1. In combination, stationary support structure for articles and movablesupport structure for articles,

the stationary support structure having a receiver portion whichincludes a plurality of elongate annular flexible rotatable members, theelongate annular flexible rotatable members being substantially paralleland in spacedapart relationship, each of the elongate annular flexiblerotatable members having a given width dimension,

the movable article support structure including a plurality ofspaced-apart elongate rigid members which are adapted to supportarticles, the elongate rigid members being in substantially parallelrelationship, the elongate rigid members being spaced apart a distanceat least equal to the width dimension of the annular flexible rotatablemembers, each of the elongate rigid members having a width dimensionless than the spacing between adjacent elongate annular flexiblerotatable members so that the movable support structure can be moved toa position in which the elongate rigid members are alternately disposedbetween adjacent elongate annular flexible rotatable members andsubstantially parallel therewith,

the elongate annular flexible rotatable members having portions at ahigher elevation than the elongate rigid members so that as the elongateflexible annular members rotatively move, articles supported by therigid members are moved therefrom by the elongate flexible members,

stationary article support structure having a discharge portion,

conveyor belt means rotatively supported at the discharge portion,

a bag holder positioned adjacent the conveyor belt means so that anarticle falls from the conveyor belt means into a bag supported by thebag holder.

2. In combination, stationary support structure for articles and movablesupport structure for articles the stationary support structure having areceiver portion which includes a plurality of elongate annular flexiblerotatable members, the elongate annular flexible rotatable members beingsubstantially parallel and in spacedapaxt relationship, each of theelongate annular flexible rotatable members having a given widthdimension,

the movable article support structure including a plurality ofspaced-apart elongate rigid members which are adapted to supportarticles, the elongate rigid members being in substantially parallelrelationship, the elongate rigid members being spaced apart a distanceat least equal to the width dimension of the annular flexible rotatablemembers, each of the elongate rigid members having a width dimensionless than the spacing between adjacent elongate annular flexiblerotatable members so that the movable support structure can be moved toa position in which the elongate rigid members are alternately disposedbetween adjacent elongate annular flexible rotatable members andsubstantially parallel therewith,

the elongate annular flexible rotatable members having portions at ahigher elevation than the elongate rigid members so that as the elongateflexible annular members rotatively move, articles supported by therigid members are moved therefrom by the elongate flexible members,

the stationary support structure having a discharge portion,

a chute carried by the discharge portion of the stationary supportstructure so that articles move from the stationary support structure tothe chute,

a bag holder positioned adjacent the chute to support a bag so thatarticles move from the chute into a bag supported by the bag holder.

3. The combination of claim 2 in which the bag holder is pivotallysupported by the discharge portion of the stationary support structure.

4. The combination of claim 3 which includes resilient bias meansengaging each bag holder and determining the pivotal position thereof,so that the bag holder pivotally moves as the weight of articles carriedby a bag supported thereby increases.

5. The combination of claim 1 in which the chute is pivotally movable toan inclined position between the discharge portion of the stationarysupport structure and the bag holder to direct articles from thestationary support structure into a bag supported by the bag holder, thechute also being pivotally movable to a generally upward position withrespect to the discharge portion of the stationary support structure toprevent movement of articles from the stationary support structure.

6. The combination of claim 1 in which the chute includes a pair of sideflanges over which a part of a bag may be disposed to maintain the bagin an open condition as the bag is supported by the bag holder.

7. A checkout counter comprising: support structure,

a conveyor belt rotatably carried by the support structure,

a plurality of partition members carried by the support structure anddisposed above the conveyor belt in relatively close relationshipthereto, the partition members being in spaced-apart relationship, thepartition members thus dividing the conveyor belt into sections.

a plurality of bag holders, there being a bag holder pivotally carriedby the support structure at the end of each section of the conveyorbelt, the bag holder being adapted to support a bag as articles movefrom the conveyor belt into a bag supported by the bag holder, meansdetermining the pivotal position of the bag holder in accordance withthe weight and position of articles within a bag supported by the bagholder.

8. The checkout counter of claim 7 which includes a chute pivotallycarried by the support structure between the conveyor belt and the bagholder, the chute being pivotally movable from a downwardly extendingposition to direct articles in movement from the conveyor belt to a bagsupported by the bag holder, the chute being pivotally movable to anupwardly extending position to prevent articles from moving from theconveyor belt.

9. The checkout counter of claim 8 in which the chute has side flangeswhich are movable into a bag supported by the bag holder, the flangesserving to hold the bag open and to direct articles thereinto.

10. Bagging apparatus for articles comprising:

support structure,

conveyor belt means having a discharge portion,

bag holder means for holding a foldable paper-like bag, the bag holdermeans being pivotally attached to the support structure adjacent thedischarge portion of the conveyor belt means and supporting a bag forreceipt of articles moving from the discharge portion of the conveyorbelt means,

means resiliently biasing the bag holder means and deter mining thepivotal position thereof so that the bag holder means pivotally moves asthe weight of articles within a bag supported by the bag holder meanschanges.

11. Bagging apparatus for articles comprising: support structure,

conveyor belt means having a discharge portion,

bag holder means for holding a foldable paper-like bag, the bag holdermeans being attached to the support structure adjacent the dischargeportion of the conveyor belt means and supporting a bag for receipt ofarticles moving from the discharge portion of the conveyor belt means,

a chute pivotally attached to the support structure adjacent thedischarge portion of the conveyor belt means, the chute being pivotallymovable to a downwardly inclined position toward the bag holder means todirect articles in movement from the discharge portion of the conveyorbelt means into a bag which is supported by the bag holder means, thechute also being pivotally movable to a generally upward abutmentposition to prevent movement of articles from moving from dischargeportion of the conveyor belt means. from the 12. The apparatus of claim11 which includes a shelf rigidly

1. In combination, stationary support structure for articles and movablesupport structure for articles, the stationary support structure havinga receiver portion which includes a plurality of elongate annularflexible rotatable members, the elongate annular flexible rotatablemembers being substantially parallel and in spaced-apart relationship,each of the elongate annular flexible rotatable members having a givenwidth dimension, the movable article support structure including aplurality of spaced-apart elongate rigid members which are adapted tosupport articles, the elongate rigid members being in substantiallyparallel relationship, the elongate rigid members being spaced apart adistance at least equal to the width dimension of the annular flexiblerotatable members, each of the elongate rigid members having a widthdimension less than the spacing between adjacent elongate annularflexible rotatable members so that the movable support structure can bemoved to a position in which the elongate rigid members are alternatelydisposed between adjacent elongate annular flexible rotatable membersand substantially parallel therewith, the elongate annular flexiblerotatable members having portions at a higher elevation than theelongate rigid members so that as the elongate flexible annular membersrotatively move, articles supported by the rigid members are movedtherefrom by the elongate flexible members, stationary article supportstructure having a discharge portion, conveyor belt means rotativelysupported at the discharge portion, a bag holder positioned adjacent theconveyor belt means so that an article falls from the conveyor beltmeans into a bag supported by the bag holder.
 2. In combination,stationary support structure for articles and movable support structurefor articles , the stationary support structure having a receiverportion which includes a plurality of elongate annular flexiblerotatable members, the elongate annular flexible rotatable members beingsubstantially parallel aNd in spaced-apart relationship, each of theelongate annular flexible rotatable members having a given widthdimension, the movable article support structure including a pluralityof spaced-apart elongate rigid members which are adapted to supportarticles, the elongate rigid members being in substantially parallelrelationship, the elongate rigid members being spaced apart a distanceat least equal to the width dimension of the annular flexible rotatablemembers, each of the elongate rigid members having a width dimensionless than the spacing between adjacent elongate annular flexiblerotatable members so that the movable support structure can be moved toa position in which the elongate rigid members are alternately disposedbetween adjacent elongate annular flexible rotatable members andsubstantially parallel therewith, the elongate annular flexiblerotatable members having portions at a higher elevation than theelongate rigid members so that as the elongate flexible annular membersrotatively move, articles supported by the rigid members are movedtherefrom by the elongate flexible members, the stationary supportstructure having a discharge portion, a chute carried by the dischargeportion of the stationary support structure so that articles move fromthe stationary support structure to the chute, a bag holder positionedadjacent the chute to support a bag so that articles move from the chuteinto a bag supported by the bag holder.
 3. The combination of claim 2 inwhich the bag holder is pivotally supported by the discharge portion ofthe stationary support structure.
 4. The combination of claim 3 whichincludes resilient bias means engaging each bag holder and determiningthe pivotal position thereof, so that the bag holder pivotally moves asthe weight of articles carried by a bag supported thereby increases. 5.The combination of claim 1 in which the chute is pivotally movable to aninclined position between the discharge portion of the stationarysupport structure and the bag holder to direct articles from thestationary support structure into a bag supported by the bag holder, thechute also being pivotally movable to a generally upward position withrespect to the discharge portion of the stationary support structure toprevent movement of articles from the stationary support structure. 6.The combination of claim 1 in which the chute includes a pair of sideflanges over which a part of a bag may be disposed to maintain the bagin an open condition as the bag is supported by the bag holder.
 7. Acheckout counter comprising: support structure, a conveyor beltrotatably carried by the support structure, a plurality of partitionmembers carried by the support structure and disposed above the conveyorbelt in relatively close relationship thereto, the partition membersbeing in spaced-apart relationship, the partition members thus dividingthe conveyor belt into sections. a plurality of bag holders, there beinga bag holder pivotally carried by the support structure at the end ofeach section of the conveyor belt, the bag holder being adapted tosupport a bag as articles move from the conveyor belt into a bagsupported by the bag holder, means determining the pivotal position ofthe bag holder in accordance with the weight and position of articleswithin a bag supported by the bag holder.
 8. The checkout counter ofclaim 7 which includes a chute pivotally carried by the supportstructure between the conveyor belt and the bag holder, the chute beingpivotally movable from a downwardly extending position to directarticles in movement from the conveyor belt to a bag supported by thebag holder, the chute being pivotally movable to an upwardly extendingposition to prevent articles from moving from the conveyor belt.
 9. Thecheckout counter of claim 8 in which the chute has side flanges whichare movable into a bag supported by the bag holder, the flanges servingto hold the bag open and to direct articles Thereinto.
 10. Baggingapparatus for articles comprising: support structure, conveyor beltmeans having a discharge portion, bag holder means for holding afoldable paper-like bag, the bag holder means being pivotally attachedto the support structure adjacent the discharge portion of the conveyorbelt means and supporting a bag for receipt of articles moving from thedischarge portion of the conveyor belt means, means resiliently biasingthe bag holder means and determining the pivotal position thereof sothat the bag holder means pivotally moves as the weight of articleswithin a bag supported by the bag holder means changes.
 11. Baggingapparatus for articles comprising: support structure, conveyor beltmeans having a discharge portion, bag holder means for holding afoldable paper-like bag, the bag holder means being attached to thesupport structure adjacent the discharge portion of the conveyor beltmeans and supporting a bag for receipt of articles moving from thedischarge portion of the conveyor belt means, a chute pivotally attachedto the support structure adjacent the discharge portion of the conveyorbelt means, the chute being pivotally movable to a downwardly inclinedposition toward the bag holder means to direct articles in movement fromthe discharge portion of the conveyor belt means into a bag which issupported by the bag holder means, the chute also being pivotallymovable to a generally upward abutment position to prevent movement ofarticles from moving from discharge portion of the conveyor belt means.from the
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 which includes a shelf rigidlysupported by the support structure adjacent the discharge portion of theconveyor belt means and inclined downwardly from the discharge portionof the conveyor belt means toward the bag holder means, an arm pivotallyattaching the chute to the support structure, the chute including aportion movable to a position generally aligned with the shelf when thechute is in a downwardly inclined position, said portion of the chutebeing movable to a generally vertical position adjacent the lower end ofthe shelf when the chute is in an abutment position.